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Is learning math possible?

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ProbablyOverthinkingThisUsername
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29 Jan 2016, 1:21 pm

Spiderpig wrote:
black0441 wrote:
Once you know your times tables and know what a number is, then you're ready for algebra. Again, I differ from most people here-I would suggest focusing on learning from the axioms, and not trying to apply it right away. The algebraic axioms are much easier to grasp than people realize, and I personally have always found it easier to start from the basics and work through a problem to find the answer.


Most people are very quick to decide a subject is useless and not worth their time if they don't immediately see practical uses. That's probably why math teachers feel forced to beat so much around the bush instead of just showing their students the deductive process, and why students who are actually interested in the subject itself have to accept wasting so much time for the convenience of those who are not.


^This, absolutely. Often the barriers to learning are emotional. Also, there is something of a difference between arithmetic and proper mathematics. The more advanced stuff, the kind actual mathematicians deal with, is more based on logical argument than number crunching. I have a degree in math but can't do arithmetic to save my life, so don't beat yourself up over not being able to add very well.



C2V
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30 Jan 2016, 4:38 am

Quote:
This, absolutely. Often the barriers to learning are emotional. Also, there is something of a difference between arithmetic and proper mathematics. The more advanced stuff, the kind actual mathematicians deal with, is more based on logical argument than number crunching. I have a degree in math but can't do arithmetic to save my life, so don't beat yourself up over not being able to add very well.

This interests me too. I'm not good at processing emotion so don't know it's going on, and influencing my behaviour. Were I to find a way to learn with a positive spin, the ability to understand could well rise. It's worth experimentation.
I've also heard you cannot understand nor work on high mathematics without mastering the basics, including arithmetic and number, rather than concept, based math. Is that true for you - as in you knew the basics but don't really focus on nor use it - and still learn higher math?


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